Summary

• Kung Fu Panda 4 is a financial success, potentially prompting Dreamworks to green-light Kung Fu Panda 5.
• The future of the franchise is uncertain as Dreamworks has not confirmed plans for Kung Fu Panda 5.
• Kung Fu Panda 5 could focus on Po adjusting to his new role and Zhen becoming the new Dragon Warrior.

The highly anticipated return of Po in Kung Fu Panda 4 finally arrived in March 2024, but will the martial arts animated franchise return in Kung Fu Panda 5? Debuting in 2008 with the eponymous film, the family-friendly series follows Po (Jack Black) a clumsy panda who is chosen to be the protector of the Valley of Peace, despite his obvious shortcomings. Anchored largely by the charisma of its star, Jack Black, the Kung Fu Panda franchise has consistently delivered laughs in well-made action romps for the entire family.

After two sequels, the franchise seemed to have faded away from cinemas until the announcement of Kung Fu Panda 4. Initial critical reaction to the film was tepidly positive, with many calling the film safe and accessible, though it hardly revolutionized the decade-and-a-half-old franchise (via Rotten Tomatoes). Most importantly, Kung Fu Panda 4 ended Dreamworks' box-office woes and is already on track to be a blockbuster. This financial incentive might be enough to spur the animation studio to green-light Kung Fu Panda 5.

Kung Fu Panda 5 Latest News

A Potential Release Window Is Revealed

Though nothing is officially confirmed about a potential sequel, the latest news sees a possible release window for Kung Fu Panda 5 revealed. Speaking candidly about the franchise's future, Kung Fu Panda 4 director Mike Mitchell gave a realistic estimation regarding how long it would take for another film to be made. Mitchell warned that it would take at least three years for another Kung Fu Panda film to be produced, meaning fans can't expect to see Po again until 2027. However, it's important to note that Kung Fu Panda 5 is not green-lit.

Read Mitchell's full statement below:

The technology does move ahead, but somehow these things always take three years to make. I don't know why that is. I think it's because it's actually harder to make a sequel because we have to make it now five times better than the first one.

There's so much story to tell and it never feels to me like it would be something intimate. It's always got big action. It's hard for me to imagine it's just taking place in one room. I mean, we had so many ideas from this film that we just couldn't fit in.

Kung Fu Panda 5 Is Not Confirmed

The Future Of The Franchise Is Unclear

While it seemed as if the fourth film was meant to cap off the original era of the Kung Fu Panda universe, a sequel or spinoff of some sort can be expected in the future.

Because the fourth film is still so new, Dreamworks hasn't made any moves regarding Kung Fu Panda 5. However, with the movie already a big moneymaker, the studio will likely want to capitalize on its sudden good press and assure viewers that they can expect more from the franchise. While it seemed as if the fourth film was meant to cap off the original era of the Kung Fu Panda universe, a sequel or spinoff of some sort can be expected in the future.

Kung Fu Panda 4 premiered on March 8, 2024.

Kung Fu Panda 5 Cast

Will Po & Friends Return In Another Movie?

In a lot of ways, the latest film in the series felt like a passing of the torch, and the cast of Kung Fu Panda 4 might not return en masse for the fifth film if it ever gets made. Jack Black has been the franchise star since 2008, but his satisfying character arc in Kung Fu Panda 4 might make his return less logical. On the other hand, a cameo from Black in the next film could help it draw in audiences without detracting from the new stars. Speaking of new stars, it's highly likely that Awkwafina's Zhen will be the lead in any future Kung Fu Panda films, though nothing is confirmed officially.

A list of characters who could return in Kung Fu Panda 5 includes:

Kung Fu Panda 5 Story Details

What Happens Next For Po?

As revealed in the ending of Kung Fu Panda 4, Po has now ascended to his next role as Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. This is a big change for the character, and his reluctance to accept the position mirrored his reluctance to become the Dragon Warrior years before. A sequel could explore Po's transition into his new role, and once again show him as a fish out of water who must adjust to something that others think he is unqualified for.

On the other hand, Kung Fu Panda 4 was very much a passing of the torch, with Zhen becoming the new Dragon Warrior by the end of the film. Kung Fu Panda 5 could follow the young fox as she tries to learn the same hard lessons as Po, and it could put Po in the role of master for a humorous role reversal. The most likely outcome for another sequel would be a combination of the two that follows both Po and Zhen as they try to figure out their new roles together.